Retropharyngeal abscess with mediastinal extension - A mausoleum of mumps: A case report

Retropharyngeal abscess is a fatal infection that is uncommon, yet serious, especially in young children below 5 years. Oropharyngeal infections, in particular, can cause it as a complication of upper respiratory infections. They can also lead to respiratory depression and acute upper airway blockage and other complications.

The unusual case of large retropharyngeal abscess in a 2-year-old child, secondary to mumps infection who presented to us with impending airway compromise is reported.

Retropharyngeal abscess secondary to mumps is a rare occurrence.The child initially had a bilateral parotid enlargement with fever and upper respiratory tract infection, which was diagnosed clinically as mumps by primary care physician and later confirmed by IgM antibody testing. The child was initially treated conservatively as the symptoms were mild at the beginning, however, the child worsened progressively and presented o our institute with acute retropharyngeal abscess in stridor. Emergency tracheostomy and intraoral abscess drainage were done under general anesthesia followed by appropriate intravenous antibiotics therapy.

A dramatic recovery was observed following the treatment approach. Although it is rare to see such a large RPA in this antibiotic era, it is imperative to maintain a high index of suspicion.